The Free Press has created a careful selection of coffee places to fit with your specific plans and tastes. After surveying 50 students, 10 from each division, we discovered that when choosing a coffee shop, most of the people expect access to the basics: WiFi, charging outlets, free water, and clean restrooms. However, other preferences vary depending on the purpose of the visit. Some people are looking for good coffee, soft music, and a comfortable space to study on their own. Others want to enjoy pastries while working on a group project or have a loud lunch with friends. In any case, we’ve got options for you.
Graphic by Sarah McNutt
If you are studying alone:
Starbucks at the Union Square Barnes & Noble is like a vibrant city cafe mixed with a peaceful library. Visitors can grab a book and have a seat near the windows with view on Union Square. No purchase necessary.
WiFi: Yes
A must-try combo: Two shots of blonde espresso with a cinnamon scone
Address: 33 E. 17th St.
OUTRO NYC provides big tables convenient to lay out all your notes and books. Enjoy the local healthy foods such as grilled seasonal veggies or a chicken quesadilla. Above all, go for the organic waffle. You won’t regret it!
WiFi: Yes
A must-try combo: Matcha cocoa with the avocado chicken waffle (and yes, you can eat those together)
Address: 816 Broadway
If you want to study with your friends:
Bluestone Lane is a vibrant Australian-style coffee shop known for its well-crafted lattes. Its loyalty app lets customers accumulate bonuses for free drinks and other offers. 62 percent of the students surveyed pick up bonus cards at cafes and restaurant.
WiFi: No
A must-try combo: Golden latte with collective granola
Address: 55 Greenwich Ave.
At Everyman Espresso, coffee is served in large mugs, the decor is minimalist and there are lots of small tables placed near power outlets. The cafe, filled with students working, generates a special vibe ideal for a long, productive work session. Keep your work going with delicious espresso.
WiFi: Yes
A must-try combo: Almond cortado and lavender-glazed donut
Address: 19 Eighth Ave. and 136 E. 13th St.
Havens to enjoy your alone time:
Ancolie serves a variety of healthy foods like protein salads, vegetable soups, and seasonal meals, all dished out in eco-friendly glass jars. You get a $1 discount when you bring the jar back.
WiFi: Yes
A must-try combo: Assam tea with the cauliflower soup and rainbow salad
Address: 58 W Eighth St.
Toby’s Estate Café features cool ornaments on the brick walls, patterned parquet flooring and fantastic latte art created for those in search of Instagramable moments. The cafe is very cozy, as its small size prevents it from getting too loud and crowded. The comfortable coach is another bonus.
WiFi: No
A must-try combo: Almond milk flat white with a blueberry tart
Address: 44 Charles St.
Grounded Organic Coffee & Tea House, which has a higher price point than other cafes listed, features diverse greenery and drinks like the black tea rose latte and cowboy cappuccino. They also serve small sandwiches.
WiFi: Yes
A must-try combo: Mint kiss latte with the yogurt parfait
Address: 28 Jane St.
When hanging out with your buddies:
City Bakery, with its high ceilings and pastries fresh from the oven, is worth checking out. The large, two-story space serves up ultra-rich hot chocolate and is roomy enough for a boisterous conversation.
WiFi: No
A must-try combo: Hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows
Address: 3 W. 18th St.
Xoxo, love you a latte!
Illustration by Ashlie Juarbe